RESIDENTS have been warned to expect seven weeks of works for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Environment Agency engineers will be drilling holes, digging pits and carrying out pumping tests along the route from Botley Road to Sandford on Thames in April and May.

The agency has said the ‘majority’ of the work will happen between 8am and 6pm.

Pumping tests to monitor how water flowers though soil will be carried out at three stes: South Hinksey, Botley Road Bridge and above Willow Walk.

Each test will last 24 to 72 hours and will require a generator to pump water.

The agency said it will use silencers and reduced lighting to ensure disturbance is kept to a minimum overnight.

The investigations needs to be made to work out exactly where the 5km channel can be dug.

Environment Agency engineers have said the £120m scheme will divert floodwaters away from 1,200 homes and businesses in Oxford city centre during heavy rainfall.

An archaeologist and ecologist will be on site throughout the work to identify any areas of archaeological interest and ensure the work does not disturb any sensitive habitats or species.

Soil removed during the works will be stored and replaced once it is complete. All working areas will be fenced off.

A headquarters for the work will be set up at South Hinksey, from where the team will move throughout the scheme area to complete the job.

Machinery including an excavator and drilling rigs will be used to construct the pits and boreholes.